Co-operation seeks improvement by self-effort. That is one great LEEDS: CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE OFFICES, 10, ALBION STREET. 1897. HARVARD COLLEGE DECF 2 1898 MANCHESTER: CO-OPERATIVE PRINTING SOCIETY LIMITED, 92, CORPORATION STREET. PREFACE. THE purpose of this book is to celebrate the Jubilee of the Leeds Industrial Co-operative Society, and to set forth, for the encouragement of others, how a few working men, with no resources save good sense and good determination, founded the greatest co-operative store in the world. This is a large thing to say, but it is statistically true. To others who joined the originators, or have been their successors in carrying the movement forward, high credit is due. All who have organised, year by year, down to this day, the surprising operations which have obtained such notable success are equally entitled to the repute which belongs to the great enterprise. The Directors have done me the honour to ask me to write this Jubilee History, from 1847 to 1897. A story which shall satisfy the views of 37,000 members (the number actually upon the books) is an adventurous undertaking. However much interest the subject has for me, I should hesitate to attempt it, did I not know the abiding tolerance of co-operative judgment. The Directors have prescribed no course, nor have they imposed any conditions, or qualification of opinion to be expressed; therefore, not they, but the writer alone, is responsible for what is said. Where the ideas of many have to be taken into account, my rule is not to consider what I am expected to say, but what ought to be said, as facts appear to warrant, and the wide interest of the members and co-operative principle require. Lancashire men are regarded as possessing solid vigour, as the rise of the Rochdale Pioneers has shown; but the men of |